1971 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1971 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $7,475. That record was a Grade 69 example sold through Heritage Auctions in November 2007. Upload a photo of yours below and you’ll get a quick value range in no time. You can also scroll down to browse recent eBay sales and see what buyers are actually paying right now.

 

1971 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s what your 1971 quarters are worth by mint mark and condition. If you know the grade, jump to the **Value Guides** section for exact pricing.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1971 Quarter Worth Money

The coin sitting at #1 is a 1971 MS65 DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) Washington quarter that hammered for $8,813 at Heritage Auctions in 2017. That’s nearly nine grand for a coin that rolled out of Philadelphia as everyday pocket change. The doubled die reverse made it special, and the MS65 grade sealed the deal — most DDR survivors show heavy wear.

Right behind it is the 1971-S PR69 DCAM at $7,475, sold at Heritage Auctions on November 29, 2007. After those two, a 1971-D MS68 pulled $4,560 at Heritage Auctions on June 9, 2019, and a 1971 MS67 hit $3,840 at Heritage Auctions in August 2019. Once you drop below MS67 or PR68, prices cluster in the $200–$300 range. That’s where the realistic buying opportunities are if you don’t need the absolute finest.

 

History of The 1971 Quarter

John Flanagan designed the Washington quarter in 1932 to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. The Mint kept striking them through 1998. Originally they were 90% silver — but that didn’t last.

By the early 1960s, silver prices had climbed so high that the metal inside a quarter was worth more than 25 cents. People hoarded silver coins by the billions. Parking meters ran dry. Vending machines couldn’t make change. President Johnson told Congress that doing nothing could mean “chaos in the myriad transactions of our daily life.”

The Treasury hired the Battelle Memorial Institute to find a replacement metal. They recommended cupronickel-clad layers bonded over a pure copper core. The Coinage Act of 1965, signed on July 23, 1965, killed silver in quarters and dimes for good. The first clad quarters hit production on August 23, 1965, and reached circulation by November.

Here’s a fun detail: those new clad coins had three visible layers along the edge. Collectors nicknamed them the *Johnson Sandwich* after the president who signed the law. By 1971, the clad composition was six years old — old news to most people.

One more thing worth knowing about 1971: mint marks had been pulled from all US coins between 1965 and 1967 to discourage hoarding. They came back on the obverse in 1968, so the 1971 mint mark location behind Washington’s ponytail was still a fairly recent change.

The regular Washington series has included:

• Washington silver quarter, minted from 1932 to 1964
• Washington clad quarter, minted from 1965 to 1998
• 50 State quarters, minted from 1999 to 2008
• America the Beautiful quarters, minted from 2010 to 2021
• Washington Crossing Delaware, minted in 2021

Besides these, you can find commemorative US Bicentennial Washington quarters minted with the double date 1776–1976. Their purpose was to honor the Declaration of Independence’s 200th anniversary.

The established Bicentennial Committee Congress held a competition to choose the best possible artist to design the new quarter. The requirement was to base their work on the well-known Washington sculpture made by Jean-Antoine Houdon.

Each artist could create the reverse design at their own discretion. Laura Gardin Fraser offered the best idea, but then-Treasury Secretary Mellon objected to this decision. Many believed the reason was the designer’s gender, but no official confirmation of these rumors existed. Despite Commission members’ objections, Mellon insisted on John Flanagan’s work, and so Flanagan’s solution stayed, leaving many questions unanswered.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is Your 1971 Quarter Rare?

Here’s the counterintuitive part: the 1971-D had the highest mintage at 258.6 million, yet in MS68 it’s one of the rarest coins on this chart. Fewer than a handful exist at that grade. Meanwhile, the 1971-S DCAM proof had the smallest original mintage but boasts the best survival rate at 42.5% — because collectors bought them and tucked them away. Raw mintage numbers don’t tell you much. Grade distribution is what actually drives rarity.

You can use our Coin Identifier and Value App to instantly assess the rarity and value of any quarter in your collection, making identification quick and reliable.

 

Key Features of The 1971 Quarter

The 1971 Washington quarter is a clad coin — 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core. That’s been the standard recipe since the Coinage Act of 1965.

The Obverse Of The 1971 Quarter

Flip the coin face-up and you’ll see Washington’s left-facing profile. LIBERTY runs across the top, and the date sits along the bottom rim. On the left side you’ll find IN GOD WE TRUST.

Look just behind the bow that ties Washington’s hair — that’s where the mint mark goes. You’ll see an S or D there. No letter? That’s Philadelphia. It’s not an error; Philly just didn’t use a mint mark in 1971.

The Reverse Of The 1971 Quarter

Flip it over. The eagle stands center stage with wings spread, perched on a bundle of arrows. Two tied olive branches sit between the eagle and QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM run across the top in three lines. This reverse design stayed the same from 1932 through 1998, so your 1971 looks identical to earlier and later clad quarters.

Other Features Of The 1971 Quarter

Washington quarters minted in 1971 are round 25-cent coins weighing 0.200 ounces (5.67 grams) with 119 reeds along the edge. The coin diameter is 0.957 inches (24.3 mm), while its thickness is precisely 0.069 inches (1.75 mm). Pre-1965 silver quarters weigh 6.25 grams — a quick weight test using a digital scale will tell you immediately whether you have a silver or clad coin.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1971 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia struck 109,284,000 quarters. Denver cranked out 258,634,428 — more than double. That’s why Denver coins are easier to find in most grades. San Francisco made 3,220,733 proofs and zero circulation strikes in 1971.

Both Philly and Denver business strikes show identical 30% survival rates. The 1971-S DCAM proofs survived at 42.5%, which makes sense — proof buyers are collectors who store coins properly.

But here’s the real story: it’s not about how many survived, it’s about *what grade* they survived in. PCGS specialist Mitch Spivack ranks the 1971-P among the top three toughest dates in the entire series to find in MS67. He’s screened hundreds of fresh Mint Sets and rarely finds anything better than MS65. Badly scuffed surfaces, weak strikes, poor luster — Philadelphia’s quality control was terrible that year.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1971 Quarter Value

Begin with a weight test — 1971 quarters are copper-nickel clad weighing 5.67 grams, unlike pre-1965 silver quarters at 6.25 grams. Find the mint mark behind Washington’s ponytail on the obverse.

Most circulated pieces are worth face value, but mint state examples range from $1 to over $3,800, with rare error coins fetching even more. Simplify this process using our Coin Identifier and Value App — it evaluates composition, mint marks, and grading details from a single photo.

 

1971 Quarter Value Guides

Five varieties exist for the 1971 quarter. Philadelphia and Denver handled all the circulation strikes, while San Francisco only made proofs.

The proof varieties — standard, CAM, and DCAM — reflect different levels of contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields. That contrast difference drives a huge price gap. A basic proof and a deep cameo in the same grade can be hundreds of dollars apart.

1971 Quarter Types:

• 1971 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1971-D (Denver Mint)
• 1971-S Proof (San Francisco)
• 1971-S CAM (San Francisco)
• 1971-S DCAM (San Francisco)

 

1971 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

Most people assume a coin with 109 million minted can’t be worth much. They’re right — until you hit MS67. That’s where everything changes.

PCGS specialist Mitch Spivack has called the 1971-P one of the hardest clad Washington quarters to find in MS67. He’s gone through thousands over three decades and the quality is consistently awful — scuffed surfaces, weak strikes, lousy luster. The high points on Washington’s cheek, forehead, and neck pick up bag marks like magnets. That’s exactly why a PCGS MS67 sold for $3,840 at Heritage Auctions in August 2019. Nothing has ever graded higher than MS67+ from this mint and year.

I think this is one of the most underappreciated sleepers in the clad series. If you’re cracking rolls, pay close attention to the Philly coins.

Here’s what top-tier examples have been bringing at auction lately.

 

1971-D Quarter Value

258,634,428 coins. That’s a mountain of quarters. So why did one sell for $4,560?

Because grade is everything. Most surviving 1971-D quarters top out at MS63 or lower. PCGS calls MS66 examples “scarce” — those were likely pulled from rolls or mint sets early on. At MS67, you’re looking at a few hundred known. At MS68, fewer than a handful. That record-setting MS68 hit $4,560 at Heritage Auctions on June 9, 2019, and nothing has graded higher.

You’ll find the “D” mint mark behind Washington’s ponytail on the obverse. Check your coins carefully — a gem-quality Denver quarter hiding in a roll is the kind of cherrypick that makes this hobby fun.

Auction results tell the story — collectors fight hard for the finest known examples.

 

1971-S Proof Quarter Value

What’s the difference between a proof and a business strike? Night and day. Proofs are struck with polished dies on hand-selected planchets, giving you mirror-like fields and razor-sharp detail you’ll never see on a coin pulled from circulation.

The 1971-S Proof is easy to find up through PR67. After that, it gets tough. PCGS notes it becomes “very scarce” in PR68 Deep Cameo or higher — actually harder to locate in top-grade cameo condition than 1960s silver Washington proofs. The auction record sits at $7,475 for a PCGS PR69, sold at Heritage Auctions on November 29, 2007.

Demand has stayed steady across multiple price points.

 

1971-S CAM Quarter Value

Ever wonder what separates a CAM proof from a regular proof? Hold one under a light and you’ll see it immediately. On a standard proof, everything is mirror-bright — fields and devices alike. On a CAM, Washington’s portrait and the eagle look frosty white while the background stays mirror-like. It’s a two-tone effect that really pops.

CAM stands for Cameo, a designation from PCGS and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). The contrast is noticeable but not as dramatic as DCAM. A PCGS PR69 CAM sold for $242 in 2003, and mid-grade values have held pretty steady since then. We think CAM proofs are a solid entry point if you want the cameo look without paying DCAM prices.

Long-term holders have done well with these.

 

1971-S DCAM Quarter Value

This is the top-pop target for 1971 proof collectors. DCAM — Deep Cameo — means maximum contrast: heavily frosted devices against deeply mirrored fields. It’s the most visually striking finish you can get.

It’s also the hardest to find in high grade. PCGS says the issue “becomes very scarce” in PR68 DCAM or higher. The auction record of $7,475 for a PR69 at Heritage Auctions in 2007 proves what buyers will pay for the best. A separate 1971-S PR70 — the only known perfect-grade example — was listed at $4,000 in 2023. That’s the ceiling for the entire series.

When a true gem DCAM surfaces, bidding gets aggressive fast.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1971 Quarter Error List

Error coins are where the real treasure-hunting happens with 1971 quarters. A manufacturing mistake can turn a 25-cent coin into a four-figure collectible overnight.

1. 1971 DDR FS-801 Errors

This is the big one. The 1971 Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 shows dramatic doubling on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” It’s catalogued in the Fivaz-Stanton reference under FS-801, meaning it was among the first major varieties documented for this date.

DDR means Doubled Die Reverse — a die error, not a striking error. During hubbing, the hub and working die shifted slightly between impressions. That created a permanently doubled image on the die itself, so every coin struck from it carries the doubling.

The best part? You can see it with the naked eye. No loupe needed to spot this one, which makes it a great cherrypick target for beginners. The top sale was $8,813 for an MS65 at Heritage Auctions in 2017 — the most valuable individual 1971 quarter variety known.

2. 1971-D DDR FS-801 Errors

Denver’s version of the doubled die reverse shows the same strong separation in the reverse lettering. Even circulated examples carry serious premiums — a PCGS XF40 sold for $840 at Stack’s Bowers online auction in May 2019.

Denver errors tend to attract extra bidder attention. Collectors expect Denver to have tighter quality control, so when errors slip through, they feel more special. A 1971-D quarter with a separate die break error (not the DDR variety) in XF40 grade sold for $1,280 on eBay in January 2023. That tells you how strong the market is for any Denver error material from this year.

3. 1971 Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes happen when the planchet isn’t seated properly in the collar at the moment of striking. The design prints partially off the coin’s surface. A 10%–20% off-center piece might bring $25–$50. One that’s about 50% off-center but still shows a complete date? That can top $200.

The most dramatic known example is a 1971 quarter struck 70% off-center — on a Philippines planchet. That’s a combination error: wrong planchet plus off-center. Graded PCGS MS64, it sold privately for approximately $3,500 through a dealer.

4. 1971 Missing Clad Layer Errors

Sometimes the copper-nickel outer layer doesn’t bond properly to the copper core during manufacturing. The result is a coin with an exposed copper-orange surface on one side. Normal 1971 quarters weigh 5.67 grams; missing clad layer examples come in around 4.6–4.7 grams. Your digital scale will confirm this instantly.

Uncirculated single-side missing clad layer quarters from this era typically sell for $300–$500. Circulated ones bring $30–$50. Dual missing clad layer errors — both sides exposed — are extraordinarily rare. Only 5–10 are known across the entire clad Washington quarter series.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where To Sell Your 1971 Quarter?

Whether you choose online auctions, local coin shops, or specialized dealers, the key to maximizing your 1971 quarter’s value lies in proper grading, accurate identification, and strategic timing of your sale.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1971 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1971 Quarter Value

1. Which 1971 quarters are particularly expensive?

The highest recorded sales for 1971 quarters include: a 1971 MS65 DDR Washington quarter at $8,813 (Heritage Auctions, 2017); a 1971-S PR69 DCAM at $7,475 (Heritage Auctions, November 29, 2007); a 1971-D MS68 at $4,560 (Heritage Auctions, June 9, 2019); a 1971-S PR70 at $4,000 (2023); a 1971 MS67 at $3,840 (Heritage Auctions, August 2019); and a 1971-D XF40 DDR at $840 (Stack’s Bowers, May 2019).

2. Is the 1971 No Mint Mark Washington quarter expensive?

In circulated condition, no — it’s worth $0.25. In mint state (MS60 and above), values range from about $1 to $54 depending on grade. The jump happens at MS67, where prices range from roughly $2,500 to $3,840. PCGS expert Mitch Spivack has identified the 1971-P as one of the three hardest clad quarter dates to find at that level.

3. What are the most valuable Washington quarters overall?

• 1932-D MS66 silver Washington quarter – $143,750
• 1932-S MS66 silver Washington quarter – $45,500
• 1949-D MS68 silver Washington quarter – $43,475
• 1948 MS68+ silver Washington quarter – $43,200
• 1932 MS67 silver Washington quarter – $40,250
• 1950 PR68 DCAM silver Washington quarter – $31,200
• 1966 MS68+ clad Washington quarter – $21,000

4. Why is the 1971-P quarter hard to find in high grades?

Philadelphia’s quality control was terrible that year. Mitch Spivack at PCGS says the coins come out badly scuffed, poorly struck, and with weak luster — even in fresh Mint Sets. That’s why MS67 specimens are genuinely rare despite 109,284,000 minted, and no 1971-P has ever graded above MS67+ at PCGS.

5. What is the difference between a CAM and DCAM proof quarter?

CAM (Cameo) means the raised design elements look frosty white against mirror-like fields. DCAM (Deep Cameo) means that contrast is cranked up to the maximum — deeper frosting, more dramatic mirrors. On a regular proof, everything is mirror-bright with no contrast at all. DCAM is the hardest finish to achieve consistently, which is why 1971-S DCAM specimens command the biggest premiums.

6. How do I identify a 1971 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) quarter?

Flip the coin over and look at “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The FS-801 variety shows clear doubling — each letter has a bold shadow or second outline running parallel to it. Both impressions look equally crisp and raised. That’s the key difference from machine doubling, which looks flat and shelf-like. A 5x–10x loupe helps, but this one is bold enough to spot with the naked eye once you know what you’re looking for.

7. What is the 1971 quarter composed of, and does it contain silver?

No silver. It’s 75% copper and 25% nickel clad over a pure copper core, weighing 5.67 grams. Look at the edge — you’ll see the copper-colored core. Pre-1965 quarters weigh 6.25 grams and are 90% silver. A digital scale settles the question in seconds.

8. Are 1971 quarters from Denver or Philadelphia worth more?

In most grades, they’re priced similarly. At the top, Denver actually holds the record: a 1971-D MS68 brought $4,560 at Heritage Auctions in 2019, versus $3,840 for a Philadelphia MS67. Denver’s higher mintage (258.6 million vs. 109.3 million) means more potential gem survivors, but the finest Denver coins have commanded the highest prices. For DDR errors, Denver versions sometimes draw extra attention because of that mint’s reputation for tighter quality control.

9. How do I tell a genuine doubled die from machine doubling on a 1971 quarter?

A genuine doubled die happens during die manufacturing — the hub strikes the working die twice with slight misalignment. Every coin from that die shows doubling. Machine doubling happens during the actual strike of an individual coin. The tell: genuine doubling shows two fully raised, equally sharp impressions side by side. Machine doubling looks flat, smeared, and shelf-like — one image is raised, the other is squashed. Machine doubling adds zero premium. Only genuine doubled dies are collectible.

10. What is the rarest 1971 quarter variety by PCGS population?

In the highest grades, the 1971-D in MS68 is one of the rarest — fewer than a handful known, none graded finer. For proofs, only one 1971-S PR70 exists at PCGS, currently offered at $4,000. Among errors, the 1971 DDR FS-801 in MS65 and above is exceedingly rare, which is why the record hit $8,813. If you want the absolute rarest 1971 quarter, target high-grade DDR examples, the single PR70 proof, or authenticated wrong-planchet errors.